A Petition from the Concerned Citizens of Arizona

July 14, 2025

The Honorable Brooke Rollins
Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250

Re: Inclusion of Nogales, Arizona Port of Entry in Next Phased Reopening

Dear Secretary Rollins,

This petition addresses the immediate concerns of the livestock industry of Southern Arizona who operate out of the Nogales, Arizona port of entry. The permanent closure of the Nogales port of entry will negatively impact livestock importers, livestock buyers across the United States, livestock producers in central and western Sonora, and therefore the stability of border towns. As border towns lose viable industries like agriculture, the economic decline fuels a rise in corruption, illegal activity, and dependence on public assistance. Agricultural revenue streams positively impact thousands of people who work directly in the agricultural industry or in ancillary services and thus return millions of dollars back to local economies.

The USDA’s support of the livestock industry in southern Arizona and northern Mexico, through maintaining a port of entry at Nogales, would demonstrate a commitment to viable border communities and national security in addition to the livelihoods of those in the livestock industry. There are over 100,000 cattle back logged for importation from Mexico through the Nogales port of entry. Although the advertised plan is for all Sonoran livestock to be imported through the Douglas port of entry, Douglas and Agua Prieta facilities have not been expanded to accommodate current orders. When the ports reopen, we would first like to request the Nogales port be reopened as also requested by the President of the ‘Union Ganadera Regional de Sonora’ while work is being initiated at the Douglas port of entry.

Furthermore, permanently closing the Nogales port of entry and relocating USDA employees will significantly hinder the exportation of livestock from the United States to packing plants in Mexico. Approximately 95% or more of all cattle that are exported into Sonora are through Nogales. This has not been considered. Additionally, Nogales and western Sonoran cattle are farther from sites where the New World Screwworm was identified in Veracruz and Oaxaca than other livestock regions in Mexico. We would also like to address the need for a new port of entry at Nogales. A new, modern port east of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora would create an improved work environment for veterinarians as well as a more efficient port for livestock imports and exports. A new port of entry would fully implement USDA and APHIS criteria and include two or more lines to expedite the inspection process for veterinarians as well as increase the ability to cross livestock more efficiently. The new port would also serve as a better location to recruit young veterinarians as the communities and schools in the Santa Cruz Valley are among the safest in Arizona.

We also want to highlight the quality and improved health of cattle that cross from western Sonora. The Nogales port of entry has historically been a major hub for livestock trade between the United States and Mexico because of the improved quality of western Sonoran cattle. As such, there is a demand for these cattle in Texas feedlots and other states. New Mexico State University highlighted the historical significance of the Nogales port. More than twice the number of cattle crossed at Nogales than Douglas from 1994-2003. We recognize that current numbers have been reduced because facilities have not been maintained; however, a new, improved port would potentially exceed historical numbers while enhancing the regional economic impact.

Unlike the Douglas port of entry, the Nogales port of entry is well positioned on Interstate 19, which is a major corridor from Mexico to the Southwestern United States. This interstate serves as a direct route to major east-west corridors (I-10 and I-40). Because of the well-connected highway system, the Nogales port of entry has grown to become the 4th largest agricultural port in the United States representing diverse commodities including livestock, but of significance, the port is the largest port of entry in the Southwestern United States. The established interstate system also connects the southwestern United States to Canada and thus positions Nogales to be the gateway to the CANAMEX corridor.

In summary, we, the undersigned, call on the USDA to 1) open the current Nogales port of entry through December 31, 2025, so that backlogged cattle can be imported, and 2) consider a new, improved Nogales port of entry. The livestock industry of Southern Arizona and northern Mexico along with regional stakeholders welcome any opportunity for further communication to address these very significant needs.